Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese Round 2: What to expect from Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky?
The Fever’s rookie star has a rivalry with her Sky counterpart that started in college and was amplified when they met earlier this season. Expect fireworks.
There is no way to describe the coming game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky than a ‘must watch’ game. From the heated encounter that the teams had just a few weeks ago, to the media storm that ensued following it, we’ve got the makings of a classic matchup.
Caitlin Clark & Angel Reese to face off again
While it’s clear that basketball fans are caught up with the 2024 NBA Finals, the fact remains there is another huge game this weekend and that’s Sunday afternoon’s showdown between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky. Of course, what we’re really talking about is another opportunity to see the Fever’s star rookie Caitlin Clark go up against fellow rookie Angel Reese. Indeed, the last time these two met was at the start of June when the Fever got the better of the Sky in a heated game that ended 71-70.
Yet, it’s got to be said that neither the result nor the teams were the talking point that night, but rather a sinister foul that was committed by the Sky’s Chennedy Carter on Clark, one that Reese was seen applauding in video replays. The back and forth between players that resulted, along with the public debate about Clark being targeted only served to fuel the fire.
Now, to be clear, where Clark and Reese are concerned they know each other very well. Do recall that the pair met in the NCAA championship game last season when Iowa played LSU - their respective teams. It’s also worth noting that Reese’s teammate Kamilia Cardoso was on the court that day for LSU as well. It was Reese and Cardoso who came out with the win, meaning yet another piece of context to consider. In keeping with that, the clip above, though dated is probably the best pretext to understand.
So, what do we expect from Clark vs Reese pt 2?
As mentioned above, their first meeting this season was completely overshadowed by the foul that Carter committed, with the Sky player later saying she had “no regrets.” While it would be naive to believe that the incident won’t play a part in the narrative of Sunday afternoon’s game, the reality is that the Fever need the win and so too does the Sky.
To that end, expect to see the likes of Kelsey Mitchell and Nalyssa Smith turning up for the Fever. Both players have gone about their business regardless of what’s been said about their teammate and have been solid performers thus far this season. For her part, Clark has begun to live up to the hype associated with being the No. 1 overall pick following a slow start to the season. At present, college basketball’s all-time leading scorer is averaging 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, six assists and 1.5 steals per game.
Where Reese is concerned, the No. 7 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft has already established herself as not just an offensive threat, but a consistent one. With an average of 12.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.9 steals per game, the Sky’s rookie has already notched four double-doubles and in her last game - a loss to the Connecticut Sun - registered the highest tally of her career so far: 20-points and 10-rebounds. The Fever and Sky are set to get down at 12:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 16th at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Don’t miss it!